Dimension 4100 - 1-2-2-1 Beep Error Code and Other Things

Question

I'm working on a friend's Dimension 4100 which suddenly died.

I get these series of beeps...

1-2-2-1

Which is odd since they aren't listed in the beep codes documentation.

Adding to the fun, the monitor does not get a video signal from the computer (the monitor was tested on a separate machine and works).

And to throw another wrench in the works, the computer appears to boot after those beeps judging by HD activity and behavior of the power button (i.e. Windows XP takes over and does the necessary things before shutting down once I press the power button).

So here are things that I've done so far...

Removed ALL PCI cards and the AGP Video.

Reseated AGP Video Card

Reseated DIMM

Reset BIOS (Jumper Style Reset).

Windows XP running rules out CPU and memory problems.

Here's the current state of the machine:

No PCI cards in the mobo for troubleshooting.

The video card is in.

One DIMM of memory in.

PS/2 keyboard and mouse in.

HD, CDROM, and Floppy are connected.

And that's a wrap.

I would also like to add that all of the hardware in the computer is OEM from Dell.

Any other ideas other there?

Thanks.

Robert

Message Edited by liaor on 12-25-2004 09:13 PM

liaor · Answer

Well, seeing how I can't get a video signal ( anytime during the boot process), I can't really tell. Sorry!

Skybird · Answer

Will it boot (F8) in 'Safe Mode'?

ceri sheeran · Answer

Hi,

What do the diagnostic lights on the rear of the machine show

Try a new bios battery CR2032

Can you read the hard disk in another machine.

Will it boot from a bootable floppy disk

Have you tried another ( even PCI ) graphics card

hth

Ceri

liaor · Answer

I would like to emphasize the fact that the machine does in fact boot completely up. As a result, the machine lights in the back will and are all green to go.   Windows XP does indeed load judging by the HD activity and behavior of the power button.   The battery is not causing the problem.   So let's summarize what's going on: There is absolutely no video signal during ANY point of the boot. The CR2032 battery is confirmed to not cause the problem. Windows XP does successfully load (So we know the CPU and memory are at least all right, and perhaps even the motherboard for the most part).   During boot, we still get the 1-2-2-1 beep. Here's a more detailed sequence of the boot: 1. Machine starts up. 2. The lights in the back go through their usual cycle. 3. First beep 1-2-2: Lights are Amber/Green/Amber/Green (A/B/C/D) - Video controller failed to initialize or respond. The machine does not halt however. 4: Second Beep 1: Lights are Amber/Amber/Amber/Green - Indicating other failure. Machine still does not halt. I suspect that this beep is just the finishing of the boot process. Perhaps this is just a red herring. 5: Machine boots completely up. Never during any point of the boot process do we get any video signal.   Cheers.   Robert

celianeron · Answer

HI,My 4100 gave me a Beep Code of 1--2-2. The HDD would make noise,but it would not boot up.Likewise,I plugged & unplugged & replaced & swapped about everything,but nothing worked.In all this,for some time I could get started sometimes by C-A-D in advanced menu/safe mode.After awhile,that procedure failed.When I got to desktop it worked fine! So, I threw in the towel on the 4100!My shakey conclusion is the BIOS/CMOS chip(not replace/reprogramable?)was at fault.The prospect of a new Motherboard  and the things ended it for me. Just got my new D4700 with more power,but also potentially disposable before it's time. At least,this one can reset the CMOS(maybe). Good Luck! Ron

vpresley83 · Answer

Hi    Um try a new, (different) video card ?  Also check the pins where the monitor plugs in to the Mobo and the Mobo socket also.                                                                 Vince

liaor · Answer

Good call on the video card. Now, is there anyway I can diagnose this without swapping around the video card   And what are the risks of grabbing any random AGP video card and sticking it in the mobo?. It appears that it supports up to AGP 4x, but how am I supposed to know that as the docs don't appear to mention what level of AGP it supports?

vpresley83 · Answer

Hi

No, not really. Any older video card will do. I believe thats an AGP 1.0 standard. Any 1X or 2X AGP card should do. You just need to see the Boot and splash screen to tell if the card worked, no drivers needed. If thats it, you have found the problem. If not, might be the Mobo, if your sure the monitor is not the problem. Mobo's were still available last time I checked, but a little on the expensive side.

Vince

Message Edited by vpresley83 on 12-27-2004 12:47 AM

ceri sheeran · Answer

HI, What do the diagnostic lights on the rear of the machine show ? <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>   Replace both IDE ribbon cables with new ones. Ceri

liaor · Answer

vpresley83: Isn't there a voltage issue with the older AGP video cards between the 1x/2x transition(especially with the older ones?). If the cards aren't keyed correctly, don't you risk frying your mobo (and video card)? (By the way, you nailed it. I did a bit more troubleshooting after the first post and came to the same conclusion. Thanks for the good advice. However, I was a bit hesistant about grabbing any ol' AGP card and sticking it in there. I was surprised that the mobo recognized the 4x AGP designation (hence the 4x reference above).) ceri sheeran: Read the above posts for the answer to your diagnostic light question. (You've asked it before). Additionally, I do not see how changing the IDE cables would suddenly allow me to receive a video signal.   Thanks to all.

vpresley83 · Answer

Hi

Most of the Video cards of a few years ago were backwards compatable. The retail cards for the most part always said 1X, 2X and 4X compatable, hence the 4X card works, but not at 4X speed. Glad to hear that your problem is fixed.

Vince

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Dimension 4100 - 1-2-2-1 Beep Error Code and Other Things

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